47 products
47 products
Choosing the Right Kids Bed
Choosing a new bed is one of the bigger decisions in kitting out a child's bedroom, and one they'll live with for years. We've been designing children's beds since 1997, and the questions parents ask us most come down to three things: age, room size, and how the room is used.
By age:
- Toddler beds (age 18 months–5 years): The natural next step from a cot bed. Toddler beds sit low to the ground and use a smaller mattress size, which makes the transition less daunting for little ones. They're ideal for children who've outgrown their cot but aren't quite ready for a full-sized single.
- Single beds (age 4+): Our most versatile option and the one most children grow into and stay with. Available in standard UK single (90 x 190cm) and slightly longer European single (90 x 200cm) sizes. Many of our singles come with underbed storage options, which is worth considering early if space is tight.
- Mid-sleeper and cabin beds (age 6+): Once children are confident climbers, typically from age 6 — a mid-sleeper or cabin bed transforms how a bedroom works. The raised sleeping space creates a den, play area, or storage zone underneath. Most parents find they get an extra few years of use from a room that felt too small before.
- Bunk beds (age 6+ for the top bunk): UK safety guidelines recommend children under 6 do not sleep in the top bunk. Our bunk beds are tested to BS EN 747 safety standards, with chunky ladder treads and high safety rails as standard. Ideal for siblings sharing or a bedroom that doubles as a sleepover destination.
- High sleepers (age 6+): Our high sleepers sit higher than mid-sleepers, maximising the usable space underneath for a desk, sofa, or storage. A great long-term investment as children grow into teenagers.
By room size:
A single bed requires a minimum room width of around 2.4m to work comfortably. Bunk beds and high sleepers need more ceiling height, aim for at least 75cm of clearance above the top bunk for safe and comfortable sleeping. If headroom is a concern, our mid-sleeper range offers a lower-rise alternative.
Still require more information? Why not read our kids bed buying guide or mattress buying guide
Our Warranty
Every GLTC children's bed is built to last, and backed to prove it. We offer a 5-year workmanship warranty across the majority of our beds, including single beds, bunk beds, mid-sleepers and high sleepers, as well as selected mattresses.
Our warranty covers genuine manufacturing faults: structural issues with bed frames, and workmanship faults in mattresses such as spring or stitching failure. If a problem arises, we'll assess your claim and provide a repair, replacement or suitable upgrade.
The warranty applies to the original purchaser, for use in private UK mainland homes. It does not cover general wear and tear, misuse, incorrect assembly, or damage from unsuitable mattress bases. For full details or to make a claim, contact us at info@greatlittletrading.co.uk.
Look for the 5 Year Warranty badge on individual product pages to confirm coverage before you buy.
Children's Bed Safety, What You Need to Know
Safety is at the heart of how we design every bed. All GLTC bunk beds and high sleepers are tested to UK safety standard BS EN 747, covering ladder strength, guard rail height, and overall structural integrity. Our mid-sleepers meet BS EN 747 Part 2.
A few things worth knowing before you buy:
- Children under 6 should not sleep in the top bunk of a bunk bed or on a high sleeper
- Guard rails must extend at least 16cm above the mattress surface, all GLTC raised beds meet or exceed this
- Mattress thickness matters on raised beds, a mattress that's too deep reduces the effective guard rail height. Check the individual product page for recommended mattress depth
FAQ
What age is a bunk bed suitable for?
UK guidance recommends children under 6 do not sleep in the top bunk. From age 6, children are generally strong and coordinated enough to use the ladder safely. All GLTC bunk beds include high safety rails and chunky ladder treads designed with this in mind.
What's the difference between a mid-sleeper and a high sleeper?
Mid-sleepers sit at a medium height — roughly 85–100cm from the floor, leaving room underneath for storage, a den, or a play area. High sleepers sit higher (110cm+), creating enough space beneath for a full desk, sofa, or cabin-style sleeping area. Both are suitable from age 6+.
What size mattress do I need for a children's single bed?
Standard UK single mattresses are 90 x 190cm. Our European single beds take a slightly longer 90 x 200cm mattress. Always check the individual product page, as mattress size and maximum depth (particularly for raised beds) varies by model.
When should I move my child from a toddler bed to a single bed?
Most children are ready to move to a full single bed between ages 4 and 6, when they've outgrown the smaller toddler mattress or the side rails feel restrictive. There's no fixed rule, follow your child's lead and their room's proportions.
What's the difference between a cabin bed and a mid-sleeper?
The terms are often used interchangeably. At GLTC, our cabin beds tend to emphasise built-in storage beneath the sleeping area, drawers, shelves, or a wardrobe, while mid-sleepers focus more on flexible open space underneath. Both sit at a similar height and are suitable from age 6+.
Are GLTC beds covered by a warranty?
Yes, the majority of our children's beds come with a 5-year workmanship warranty. This covers structural and manufacturing faults in bed frames and workmanship faults in mattresses. Look for the 5 Year Warranty badge on product pages, or read the full warranty terms.
Types Of Beds
Toddler Beds – A gentle next step from cot bed to first “big bed”. Slightly smaller than a single, toddler beds feel familiar and reassuring, making the transition less overwhelming.
Single Beds – A timeless choice designed to last through childhood. Our wooden single beds are available in either standard UK single size or a slightly longer European single size.
Mid Sleepers – A clever way to make more of your child’s bedroom, with raised sleeping space and room underneath for play, storage or a cosy den. Add bed curtains for extra fun, or keep the space open. Suitable from age 6+.
Cabin Beds – A bed and storage solution in one. Perfect for making the most of floor space while keeping room for playing, relaxing and having friends over.
Bunk Beds – Ideal for siblings sharing, bunk beds help maximise space while creating a fun and confidence-building sleep setup. Ours are tested to high safety standards, including the ladder, top bunk and overall structure.
High Sleepers – Suitable from age 6+, high sleepers are designed to adapt as your child grows, offering space underneath for play and storage, then later for study or sleepovers.
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Designed by usExperts in creating
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Small BusinessWe are a small dedicated
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Safety TestedShop our collections
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Award Winning
Best Online Retailer 2026
LovedByParents
Designed by us
Experts in creating
children's products
Small Business
We are a small dedicated
team of just 11
Safety Tested
Shop our collections
with confidence
